I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12 marks a pivotal shift in Paul's letter. After laying a profound theological foundation in Romans 1–11, exploring the depths of God's grace and salvation through faith in Jesus, Paul now turns to practical application. He addresses the question: How should those who have been saved by God's grace live? This chapter serves as a bridge, connecting the doctrines we believe with the lives we lead, showing us how to respond to God's incredible mercy.
A Living Sacrifice: Our Reasonable Service (Romans 12:1-2)
Paul begins by urging us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This isn't about a one-time act of dedication but a continuous offering of our entire being – our time, talents, resources, and affections – to God's service. This is our "reasonable worship" (Romans 12:1), the appropriate response to the overwhelming grace we've received. Tony Evans illustrates this with the difference between a chicken and a pig in a bacon-and-egg breakfast; the chicken contributes, but the pig gives everything. God desires our all.
This kind of sacrificial living requires a radical transformation. We are called to resist conforming to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2), which often prioritize self-interest and worldly values. Instead, we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is a passive command, indicating that God does the work of renewing our confused minds when we fully surrender to Him and remove ourselves from the world's influence. This renewal involves aligning our thoughts with God's, seeing the world through His eyes, and discerning His will for our lives. God has a good, pleasing, and perfect will for each of us, waiting to be discovered when we are fully surrendered.
Serving in the Body of Christ (Romans 12:3-8)
The first expression of this transformed life is found in our service to one another within the church. God has gifted each believer with specific spiritual abilities through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to contribute uniquely to the body of Christ. Paul cautions against both pride and self-deprecation (Romans 12:3). We shouldn't think too highly of ourselves, as everything we have is a gift from God. But neither should we think too lowly, for God has given a measure of faith to each one.
The church is likened to a body with diverse members, each fulfilling a vital function (Romans 12:4-5). Just as a body needs all its parts working together, the church thrives when each member actively uses their gifts to serve others. There are no Lone Rangers in the Christian life; we are all interconnected and dependent on one another. Tony Evans bluntly states that any Christian who is not a functioning, serving member of a local church is living outside God's will. Paul then lists several gifts, including prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, and mercy (Romans 12:6-8). The key is to identify our gifts and use them diligently, motivated by love and a desire to build up the body of Christ.
Love in Action: Marks of a Transformed Life (Romans 12:9-13)
Paul continues by painting a vivid picture of what a life of living sacrifice looks like in practice. This section is filled with practical exhortations, all rooted in genuine love. Love must be without hypocrisy (Romans 12:9); it's not a performance but a sincere expression of care and concern for others. We must hate what is evil and cling to what is good.
Brotherly love should be fervent, marked by affection and loyalty (Romans 12:10). We should be eager to honor one another, putting others' needs and interests ahead of our own. Fervor in the Spirit (Romans 12:11) implies a burning enthusiasm for serving the Lord, a zeal that motivates us to give our best.
Hope, patience, and prayer are essential components of this transformed life (Romans 12:12). We rejoice in hope, knowing that our future in eternity with God is secure. We are patient in affliction, enduring trials with steadfastness and trust in God's provision. We are constant in prayer, continually seeking God's guidance and strength.
Hospitality and generosity are also hallmarks of a transformed life (Romans 12:13). We share with those in need, opening our homes and resources to bless others. Tony Evans emphasizes that grace gives us our homes and cars, and grace wants us to use them to help others.
Responding to Persecution and Evil (Romans 12:14-21)
This transformed life extends even to our enemies. We are called to bless those who persecute us (Romans 12:14), a radical command that reflects Jesus' own example. We are to live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:15-16), rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep, demonstrating empathy and compassion. Tony Evans encourages us to associate with the humble, connecting with those who have nothing to give back, ensuring they feel valued in the church.
We must not repay anyone evil for evil (Romans 12:17), but rather strive to do what is honorable in the sight of all. As far as it depends on us, we are to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18), doing everything we can to foster reconciliation and understanding. Tony Evans reminds us that the church is a family and a body; hurting one another only hurts ourselves.
Instead of seeking revenge, we are to leave room for God's wrath (Romans 12:19). When our enemies are hungry or thirsty, we are to feed and give them drink (Romans 12:20), demonstrating kindness and compassion. By doing so, we "heap burning coals on their heads," a metaphor for awakening their conscience and creating an opportunity for repentance.
Ultimately, we are to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). This is the defining characteristic of a transformed life, choosing love and forgiveness over hatred and retaliation. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Romans 12 is a call to action, inviting us to live out the implications of our faith in every aspect of our lives. It's a reminder that true worship is not confined to a Sunday service but permeates our daily interactions and decisions. By embracing the principles outlined in this chapter, we can experience the transforming power of God's grace and become a living testament to His love and mercy.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12 marks a pivotal shift in Paul's letter. After laying a profound theological foundation in Romans 1–11, exploring the depths of God's grace and salvation through faith in Jesus, Paul now turns to practical application. He addresses the question: How should those who have been saved by God's grace live? This chapter serves as a bridge, connecting the doctrines we believe with the lives we lead, showing us how to respond to God's incredible mercy.
A Living Sacrifice: Our Reasonable Service (Romans 12:1-2)
Paul begins by urging us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This isn't about a one-time act of dedication but a continuous offering of our entire being – our time, talents, resources, and affections – to God's service. This is our "reasonable worship" (Romans 12:1), the appropriate response to the overwhelming grace we've received. Tony Evans illustrates this with the difference between a chicken and a pig in a bacon-and-egg breakfast; the chicken contributes, but the pig gives everything. God desires our all.
This kind of sacrificial living requires a radical transformation. We are called to resist conforming to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2), which often prioritize self-interest and worldly values. Instead, we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is a passive command, indicating that God does the work of renewing our confused minds when we fully surrender to Him and remove ourselves from the world's influence. This renewal involves aligning our thoughts with God's, seeing the world through His eyes, and discerning His will for our lives. God has a good, pleasing, and perfect will for each of us, waiting to be discovered when we are fully surrendered.
Serving in the Body of Christ (Romans 12:3-8)
The first expression of this transformed life is found in our service to one another within the church. God has gifted each believer with specific spiritual abilities through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to contribute uniquely to the body of Christ. Paul cautions against both pride and self-deprecation (Romans 12:3). We shouldn't think too highly of ourselves, as everything we have is a gift from God. But neither should we think too lowly, for God has given a measure of faith to each one.
The church is likened to a body with diverse members, each fulfilling a vital function (Romans 12:4-5). Just as a body needs all its parts working together, the church thrives when each member actively uses their gifts to serve others. There are no Lone Rangers in the Christian life; we are all interconnected and dependent on one another. Tony Evans bluntly states that any Christian who is not a functioning, serving member of a local church is living outside God's will. Paul then lists several gifts, including prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, and mercy (Romans 12:6-8). The key is to identify our gifts and use them diligently, motivated by love and a desire to build up the body of Christ.
Love in Action: Marks of a Transformed Life (Romans 12:9-13)
Paul continues by painting a vivid picture of what a life of living sacrifice looks like in practice. This section is filled with practical exhortations, all rooted in genuine love. Love must be without hypocrisy (Romans 12:9); it's not a performance but a sincere expression of care and concern for others. We must hate what is evil and cling to what is good.
Brotherly love should be fervent, marked by affection and loyalty (Romans 12:10). We should be eager to honor one another, putting others' needs and interests ahead of our own. Fervor in the Spirit (Romans 12:11) implies a burning enthusiasm for serving the Lord, a zeal that motivates us to give our best.
Hope, patience, and prayer are essential components of this transformed life (Romans 12:12). We rejoice in hope, knowing that our future in eternity with God is secure. We are patient in affliction, enduring trials with steadfastness and trust in God's provision. We are constant in prayer, continually seeking God's guidance and strength.
Hospitality and generosity are also hallmarks of a transformed life (Romans 12:13). We share with those in need, opening our homes and resources to bless others. Tony Evans emphasizes that grace gives us our homes and cars, and grace wants us to use them to help others.
Responding to Persecution and Evil (Romans 12:14-21)
This transformed life extends even to our enemies. We are called to bless those who persecute us (Romans 12:14), a radical command that reflects Jesus' own example. We are to live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:15-16), rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep, demonstrating empathy and compassion. Tony Evans encourages us to associate with the humble, connecting with those who have nothing to give back, ensuring they feel valued in the church.
We must not repay anyone evil for evil (Romans 12:17), but rather strive to do what is honorable in the sight of all. As far as it depends on us, we are to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18), doing everything we can to foster reconciliation and understanding. Tony Evans reminds us that the church is a family and a body; hurting one another only hurts ourselves.
Instead of seeking revenge, we are to leave room for God's wrath (Romans 12:19). When our enemies are hungry or thirsty, we are to feed and give them drink (Romans 12:20), demonstrating kindness and compassion. By doing so, we "heap burning coals on their heads," a metaphor for awakening their conscience and creating an opportunity for repentance.
Ultimately, we are to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). This is the defining characteristic of a transformed life, choosing love and forgiveness over hatred and retaliation. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Romans 12 is a call to action, inviting us to live out the implications of our faith in every aspect of our lives. It's a reminder that true worship is not confined to a Sunday service but permeates our daily interactions and decisions. By embracing the principles outlined in this chapter, we can experience the transforming power of God's grace and become a living testament to His love and mercy.